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Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Committee Chair
Gabriela Fonseca Pereira
Committee Member
Connie Dyar
Committee Member
Luke Russell
Abstract
Worldwide, aging has become a challenging issue since older adults are living longer, and most households are not designed to assist their upcoming demands and needs. Additionally, with the high cost of living in nursing care facilities or other places designed specifically for this population, older adults prefer to age-in-place, relying on family and friends for as long as possible, and remain in their forever homes which also bring financial benefits, such as avoiding relocation expenses and lower housing costs.
This study employed qualitative research methods were used to gather data from open-ended interviews and Virtual Reality (VR) experience to explore home modifications that promote age-in-place. The research was divided in four phases; the first was the data analysis of photovoice data conducted in 2023-2024, in which children of older adults identified potential fall hazards in their parents’ home (Fonseca Pereira et al., 2024). The second was the creation of two 3D models based on the data gathered on first phase (one of the models have the potential hazards identified on phase one, while the other showcases home modifications designed to prevent the falls described in phase one and to promote age-in-place). In the third phase, older adults visualized the two models on VR. In the fourth phase, they answered open ended questions about the experience, and the effectiveness of understanding home modifications through this visualization mode.
A total of 13 participants from the Midwest of the United States voluntarily participated in this study. Results illustrated that six themes of potential hazards were identified, including Furniture, Flooring, Clutter, Accessibility, Reach height, and Social life & Privacy. And five main home modification patterns were identified as well – Accessibility, FF&E, Unclutter, Grab bars, and Privacy, to address their home environments as they age, giving older adults more sense of control over their living spaces and their lives. Participants valued interior spaces that fostered a sense of safety and emphasized the importance of support for getting in and off furniture, openness and clear circulation, and comfortable furniture that promotes socialization and well-being. The significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the interior living environment for older adults who want to age-in-place safely, by providing practical interior design solutions that can potentially prevent falls and other hazards in older adult's home environments.
Access Type
Thesis-ISU Access Only
Recommended Citation
de Andrade Bicudo, Ana Rebeca, "Educating Older Adults on Home Modifications Through Virtual Reality Experience to Promote Aging-in-place" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2097.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2097
